Mali’s context of an asymmetric non-international conflict poses significant challenges to humanitarian access. The country is facing a continuing degradation of the security situation with a significant increase in displaced people and growing emergency needs in a context where chronic food insecurity is already high.

According to the last Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis report issued in March 2021, 1.3 million people were acutely food insecure during the lean season of 2021 June-August 2021. As per early estimates, this number may increase to a projected 1.8 million people in the next Cadre Harmonisé of November 2021.

The dynamic and increasingly complex operating context poses significant access challenges, reducing WFP’s ability to quickly deliver food assistance to persons in need. The access challenges have led to an expansion of TPM. 90 per cent of the country office’s monitoring activities are currently undertaken through TPM. The lack of WFP’s staff’s presence in the field bears the risk to negatively impact the quality of the implementation of the programme.

Further access challenges related to the limited capacities of Cooperating Partners, and the limited number, coverage and/or capacity of financial service providers has been a significant operational constraint, delaying the processing of cash transfers. Access is further challenged by the siege of towns and the destruction of public road and communication infrastructure by NSAGs in the centre region.

The focus of the United Nations Security Management System on the UN mission (MINUSMA) creates institutional access challenges as the risk levels and security risk management measures applied are centred around MINUSMA’S mandate, acceptance, and capabilities, which differ significantly from WFP’s.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Programme, the incumbent will undertake the following activities:

Refine alternative operational modalities (supervision, monitoring, etc.) due to access constraints, to be deployed by WFP and its partners to ensure timely and quality response to the affected population, leveraging on the experiences and good practices from other countries in the Region (Burkina Faso, Niger);
Support the country office, sub-office, and partners in operationalizing (including training as necessary) the alternative operational modalities and monitor the progress.
Strategic review of the Rapid Response Mechanism and make action plan for the Country Office and Food Security Cluster. Active participation in the RRM meetings.
Consolidate Access constraints from all sub-offices and units and propose Access alternatives in close consultation with the Country Office Security Unit.
Actively participate in the technical Access working group which reports to the HCT;
Actively participate in the CMCOORD meetings.
Provide support to the coordination of the food security cluster.
Contribute to the review of the food and nutrition security analysis in the country, as Programme support to the RAM Unit, and in close coordination with all units and stakeholders.
Provide support to the Country Office EPRP focal point.
Actively participate in the Country Access Cell and in the regional Sahel Access Team.
Act as Focal Point for the Access Monitoring project.
Support the MRT monitoring system at Country Office level related to access engagement.
Perform other tasks as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE MISSION:

Alternative operational modalities due to access constraints are elaborated and operationalized.
Strategic review of the Rapid Response Mechanism strategy of WFP and Food Security Cluster is completed with clear action plan.
Access monitoring and analytic system is developed and updated
The access management system of the Country Office is aligned with the CAA principles and framework

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

At least 5 years of relevant postgraduate experience in emergency context.
Substantial experience in humanitarian and development work in multicultural environments requiring high level of interpersonal skills.
Strong experience in humanitarian access negotiation and rapid response mechanism coordination.
Ability to communicate effectively and to demonstrate a problem-solving mindset.
Strong motivation and proven ability to make a difference.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social

Sciences or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of

related work experience and/or training/courses.

Language****: Fluency in oral and written French and English.

Context****: Good understanding of Mali and Sahel context is highly desirable.

4Ps CORE ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITIES

PURPOSE

Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives - Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work.
Be a force for positive change - Proactively identifies and develops new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area.
Make the mission inspiring to our team - Identifies opportunities to further align individual contributions with WFP’s mission of making an impact on local communities.
Make our mission visible in everyday actions - Helps colleagues to see the link between their individual tasks and the contributions of their unit’s goals to the broader context of WFP’s mission.

PEOPLE

Look for ways to strengthen people's skills - Is able to identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP
Create an inclusive culture - Recognizes the contributions of teammates and encourages contributions from culturally different team mates to recognize the value of diversity above and beyond just including it in programming for beneficiaries.
Be a coach & provide constructive feedback - Provides and solicits ongoing constructive feedback on strengths and development opportunities to help develop individual skills, whilst also helping others identify areas for improvement.
Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit - Sets clear targets for self and others to focus team efforts in ambiguous situations (e.g., unprecedented issues and/or scenarios).

PERFORMANCE

Encourage innovation & creative solutions - Thinks beyond team’s conventional approaches to formulate creative methods for delivering food aid and assistance to beneficiaries.
Focus on getting results - Maintains focus on achieving individual results in the face of obstacles such as volatile or fragile environments and/or organizational roadblocks.
Make commitments and make good on commitments - Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders.
Be Decisive - Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.

PARTNERSHIP

Connect and share across WFP units - Demonstrates an understanding of when and how to tactfully engage other units in conversations on impact, timing, or planning.
Build strong external partnerships - Networks regularly with key external partners using formal and informal opportunities to understand each partner’s unique value proposition, and to build and strengthen relationships.
Be politically agile & adaptable - Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations.
Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships - Demonstrates ability to articulate to internal and external audiences the value that individual contributions and immediate teams bring to partnerships.

Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: wfp.org